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More Jeff Demps?

October 8th, 2013

The Bucs offense is struggling. The passing game is moribund. The Bucs have defrocked and turned loose their franchise quarterback.

And the Bucs have an Olympic sprinter on the roster.

Only in rare cases the past 30 years or so has an Olympic track star shined in the NFL, Willie Gault. Well, given how the Bucs offense smells, and subscribing to the theory of “speed kills,” the Bucs, says Bucs commander Greg Schiano, may try to use speedy Jeff Demps more. It’s the second time in as many weeks that Schiano talked about expanding Demps’ role. Woody Cummings of The Tampa Tribune took notes.

The Bucs focused largely on ways to get their 31st-ranked offense and 32nd-ranked passing attack back on track. Their hope is that by going vertical more often and making more use of Olympic sprinter Jeff Demps, they spark their attack.

“We talked about it last week – throwing the ball down the field a little more,’’ Schiano said. “The fact we haven’t done that as much as we’d like isn’t from a lack of trying, because sometimes defenses just take you out of it.

“But I think Jeff Demps is getting more and more comfortable with what we’re doing here so I think there will be some things we can do with him there that can make us better. He’s a valuable weapon.’’

Now this is a good mindmeld that Schiano could play. If the Bucs just show Demps at wide out, it could (should?) scare teams into preparing for the deep ball. By doing so, this may loosen up the soft underbelly of opponents.

One thing that did work in the Bucs passing game with Josh Freeman this season was slants to Vincent Jackson. If a defense prepares for the long ball, this route should be open more.

And if Glennon can get enough protection in the pocket to allow Demps to run down field, then all the better.

18 Responses to “More Jeff Demps?”

Owusu, Page, Demps, and Underwood all bring speed to the table. We MUST find a way to stretch the field, it is the only way to open up some running lanes for Doug. Hopefully the Bucs can open up the offense against the Eagles.

@TBuc_40
I heard him, but somehow I don’t completely believe him. Last game we saw a lot more short crossing routes and bunch sets. We need more of that, because if they keep running deep iso routes, Glennon will get killed.

And the BIGGEST thing we need is on-the-fly adjustments. We seem dead set on running ‘our game plan’ and don’t deviate. That crap won’t work – and THAT – is coaching.

Too bad Geno has a set of legs he puts to use. Glennon has no chance in the world if god forbid someone gets through the line. Now that we have more than two options to throw to im really hoping to finally see the guy John Gruden proclaimed to be able to make all the throws.

It still comes down to play calling. All this season we’ve been unable to counter what defenses are doing to stop us. Without the vertical and midfield threat all we are doing is looking to get Martin killed.

Oh, hell- why not??
It wreaks of desperation, but sometimes desperation leads to creativity!
And this prehistoric, unimaginative offense screams for that!!

And BucFanJeff- love your idea for Butch Davis And Sullivan.
Contrary to what Schiano tells everyone- we are not running the Giant offense. That offense made a slot Reciever a Probowlers. Also frequently used TE.

We are Running the Rutgers offense. Primarily it uses two wide Recievers on deeper routes. Very rarely uses TE or Slot. Goes with FB instead.
Schiano has used it everywhere he’s gone, and it’s been a failure everywhere he used it.

I don’t know if you saw it – but Glennon thew a lot of slants against one of the worst teams in the league.

This just in – he didn’t win.

ALso, don’t expect too much from Napolean Dynamite – that last name is NOT the reason they named after a movie character.

Besides, he won’t have a lot of time to see what’s developing downfield, and since his footspeed doesn’t match his release – or the speed of the NFL game – I wouldn’t count on VJax suddenly breaking off 9 routes…

You guys may want to pick up a copy of “Offensive Line Play and the Immobile QB” – I think it’s by Guderian, or Rommel – or better yet, pick up a copy of “Take Your Eye OFF the Ball” by Pat Kirwan.